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“Viva la Vida” by Coldplay is predominantly in the key of G Major, and the main chord progression is a four-chord loop: C, D, G, Em, which repeats throughout the song. The chord progression creates a highly emotional, triumphant atmosphere which reflects the lyrics and overall theme of the song. The use of the B minor chord, the flattened third, later in the song adds some depth and complexity to the harmonic structure and provides a relief from the repetition of the main progression.

“Yellow” by Coldplay is in the key of G major and employs a mix of diatonic chords, extended chords such as the seventh chords, and the occasional borrowed chord from G minor. The progression presents variations of a common IV-V-I pattern seen in pop and rock music.

“Electric Feel” by MGMT is characterized by its repetitive, catchy chord progression and usage of both major and minor chords which create a unique, surreal atmosphere. The song includes elements of psychedelic pop, funk, and electronic music.

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones is a rock song in the key of C major. The chord progression is simple and effective, reflecting the band’s blues and rock ‘n’ roll influences. The overall structure includes three verses with the same chord progression.

“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic example of psychedelic rock and blues-infused music from the late 1960s. This particular chord progression, found in Verse 2, demonstrates Hendrix’s innovative approach to harmony and showcases his integration of blues and rock influences.

Chord Progression Analysis (Roman Numerals):
E7#9 (I), G (bIII), A (IV), E (I)

Borrowed Chord:
`G (bIII)` – This chord is borrowed from the parallel minor key of E minor.

Coldplay – Viva La Vida – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

[‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’]

Chord Progression Analysis

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C Major (I)
D Major (‘V/V)
G Major (IV)
E minor (vi)

The progression repeats four times. It is important to denote that D Major is a borrowed chord in this case, functioning as a secondary dominant (‘V/V – dominant of the dominant) to G Major.

**Chord Symbols in Code: (For Borrowed Chord Indication)**

“`
D Major (‘V/V)
“`

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Similar Chord Progressions

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Here are some songs which share similar chord progressions in the genre of pop rock:

1. “Let it Be” by The Beatles: C – G – Am – F (or in terms of Roman numerals: I – V – vi – IV)

2. “No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley: C – G – Am – F
(I – V – vi – IV)

3. “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey: E – B – C#m – A
(I – V – vi – IV)

This highlights the fact that the I – V – vi – IV progression (or a variant of it) is something that has been popularly used in many successful songs across genres and decades.

Musical Analysis

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The progression starts with a major tonic chord which gives a sense of stability. The second chord, D major, which is a borrowed chord, adds a bit of suspense, essentially pulling towards the G major chord, creating a resolution. The fourth and last chord, E minor, gives a touch of melancholia to the musical phrase.

The progression itself is quiet dynamic, constantly moving forward and driving the song. Also, the oscillation between major and minor chords brings a good balance of cheerful and more introspective moments.

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Overall Analysis

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“Viva la Vida” mostly utilizes a four-chord progression thorough the song which is fairly common in popular music. The verse we are focusing on replicating the verse goes like this: C – D – G – Em. The chord progressions are pretty simple, catchy and give the song an uplifting feel.

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Style Analysis

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Coldplay is known for their uplifting, anthemic style of music and ‘Viva la Vida’ fits into this style perfectly. There is a mix of pop and rock elements, with a catchy, repeating chord progression that drives the song and makes it memorable.

The use of simple and common chord progressions is a hallmark of Coldplay’s music and ‘Viva la Vida’ is no exception. The band often uses simple and repetitive chord progressions as a background for their outstanding melody lines and lyrics.

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Chords in the Verse 2 section of Viva La Vida by Coldplay are:

[‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’]